Daniel Sturridge‘s year was a strong one despite a lengthy injury derailment, but don’t sell the Liverpool forward on the virtues of exceeding expectations.

Sturridge, 24, has scored 35 goals in a season-and-a-half at Liverpool and is on his way to England. By all his accounts, his performance was a major part of the Reds finishing second in the Premier League this season.

But second is not first, and Sturridge is apologizing to Reds supporters.

“I know we set the target of reaching the Champions League but I can’t stand here and say I’m happy. I am gutted,” said the England striker.

“I know we’ve gone from seventh to second but I am never happy coming second no matter what I’m playing, whether it’s table tennis, cricket or whatever, I don’t like losing.

“We’re all hungry for success and the fans deserve success. They’ve given us great support from the first minute to the last and I apologise to them for not winning the Premier League.”

That’s a bit much, but credit to the 24-year-old for trying. The young English striker can surely make many of them feel better this summer at the World Cup, let alone with a Premier League title next season.